THE BUZZ: On the Irrational Games blog today, a “From the Vault” post digs into Dungeon Duel, a project originally in development back in 2002 that ended up being shelved.

Irrational Games technical director Chris Kline came across “a folder full of ancient email attachments showing game materials in various stages of completion,” and talked to some of his fellow staff members who had also been around when the project was being conceptualized.

The blog post gives the following pitch for the game: “Dungeon Duel combines fast-paced RTS strategy with the addictiveness of card game trading in a unique fantasy setting–a true RTS game built specifically with consoles and their controllers in mind.”

EGM’s TAKE: It’s hard to fully grasp how many games over the years have been shelved or never even fully started, and I’m always fascinated when given the chance to see what could have been. Even if we read about projects that never saw completion and wish they hadn’t have been cancelled, getting to see those pieces that do exist is always worth more to me than never getting to know about said games at all.

Below is some of the concept art for Dungeon Duel. For the full look at the game, hit the link at the end of this post.

Eric L. Patterson got started via self-publishing game-related fanzines in junior high, and now has one goal in life: making sure EGM has as much coverage of niche Japanese games as can realistically be crammed in. Eric’s also active in the gaming community on a personal level, being an outspoken voice on topics such as equality in gaming and consumer rights. Stalk Eric on Twitter: @Eric_EGM. Meet the rest of the crew.